Spain has long been an attractive destination for foreigners seeking long-term residence in Europe. According to official Spanish statistics, more than 1.5 million long-stay visas were issued in 2024 through consular offices worldwide, reflecting sustained global interest in Spanish residency. Its appeal stems from climate, culture, quality of life, and flexible visa routes tailored to different profiles. Following the end of the Golden Visa programme in 2025, Spain has placed greater emphasis on talent attraction, remote work, and financial independence within its immigration policy. Against this backdrop, four principal long-stay visa categories stand out: the Highly Qualified Professional Visa, the Work Visa, the Non-Lucrative Visa, and the Digital Nomad Visa. The sections below examine each option and outline the main eligibility requirements.
Highly Qualified Professional Visa
The Highly Qualified Professional Visa, also known as the highly skilled worker permit, is designed to attract specialized talent from outside the European Union. This visa category applies to foreign nationals who have secured employment in Spain in roles that require advanced academic qualifications or significant professional experience.
The visa enables legal residence and employment in Spain for professionals in technical, managerial, scientific, or executive positions. It operates under national immigration law and is administratively distinct from the EU Blue Card.
To qualify, applicants typically must demonstrate:
- A university degree or equivalent academic qualification, or at least three years of relevant professional experience
- A formal job offer from a Spanish employer in a specialized role.
- Compliance with minimum salary thresholds, which vary by role and collective agreements (for example, approximately €40,000–€56,000 annually for many professional positions)
- A clean criminal record and comprehensive health insurance coverage
Processing is intended to be relatively efficient, with applications handled by specialized administrative bodies such as the Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos (UGE-CE).
Between 2013 and 2022, Spain granted 15,858 visas to highly qualified professionals under its entrepreneurial legislation, representing approximately 25 % of all residence permits issued under that framework.
This visa category has expanded as Spain seeks to address skill shortages in sectors such as information technology, engineering, and scientific research. It also includes provisions for family reunification, allowing spouses and dependent children to accompany the principal applicant. After five years of continuous legal residence, holders may become eligible for permanent residency and, ultimately, Spanish citizenship, subject to statutory requirements.
Work Visa (General Employment Visa)
Spain’s Work Visa allows non-EU nationals to work and reside in Spain under employer sponsorship. This visa differs from the highly qualified category by applying to a broader range of professions and qualification levels.
The visa authorizes its holder to live and work legally in Spain under a country-specific employment contract and provides access to Spain’s social security system and associated benefits. Work visas may be renewed as long as employment conditions continue to be met.
This pathway is particularly relevant for foreign nationals entering the Spanish labour market through formal employer sponsorship. It serves as an alternative for professionals who do not meet the specific thresholds of the highly qualified category but who have secured valid employment offers.
A Work Visa generally requires:
- A binding job offer from a Spanish employer
- Evidence that the position meets national employment conditions, which may involve procedures with Spain’s Public Employment Service (SEPE)
- Proof of contractual and financial stability, including salary levels aligned with national or sector-specific standard
- Compliance with Spanish labour and social security regulations
Spain’s labour market has been adjusting to demographic pressures and ongoing skill shortages. Employers increasingly rely on foreign workers to fill roles in sectors such as hospitality, construction, cybersecurity, and other areas experiencing persistent labour gaps.
Work visas remain a fundamental route to formal employment and residence for both skilled and semi-skilled workers. They also support access to long-term residency options when statutory residence periods and conditions are fulfilled.
Non-Lucrative Visa
The Non-Lucrative Visa, also known as a retirement visa, is a residence permit for non-EU nationals who do not intend to engage in gainful employment in Spain. It is intended for individuals and families who can demonstrate sufficient financial independence to support themselves without entering the Spanish labour market.
Applicants must generally show:
- Stable and regular passive income or savings sufficient to support themselves and any dependents
- Valid private health insurance covering all risks in Spain.
- Clean criminal records and proof of accommodation.
The Non-Lucrative Visa is typically granted for an initial period of one year and may be renewed in two-year increments. Permanent Resident status is possible to obtain after five years of continuous legal residence in Spain.
Consular authorities require applicants to meet minimum financial thresholds, which are periodically adjusted. Historically, these requirements have been set well above Spain’s national minimum wage. Currently, applicants are typically required to demonstrate annual income of approximately €28,800, with an additional €7,200 for each dependent family member.
This visa remains particularly relevant for retirees, individuals with passive investment income, and families seeking residency without active employment. Because it does not permit work in Spain, careful financial planning and accurate documentation are essential. Demand for the visa is influenced by broader socio-economic factors, including Spain’s lifestyle advantages and comparatively lower living costs relative to other Western European countries.
Digital Nomad Visa
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, also referred to as ‘international teleworker visa’, is one of the newest residency categories. Introduced under the Startups Law of 2022, it targets remote workers, freelancers, and digital professionals who perform their work for non-Spanish employers or clients.
The introduction of dedicated visa pathways for remote workers reflects a broader global trend. In Spain, the visa allows digital professionals to reside legally in the country while continuing remote work for international companies. Self-employed applicants may also work with Spanish clients, provided that locally sourced income does not exceed 20 % of total professional activity.
Applicants are generally required to demonstrate:
- Stable remote employment or professional activity conducted outside Spain
- A minimum income level equivalent to approximately 200 % of Spain’s Minimum Interprofessional Wage (SMI), typically around €2,700–€3,000 per month for the principal applicant
- Academic qualifications or at least three years of work experience in the relevant profession.
- Valid health insurance and a clean criminal record.
Family members may accompany the principal applicant under defined conditions.
The visa is initially issued for one year and may be extended for up to five years, after which holders may qualify for permanent residency.
By the end of 2024, Spain had issued approximately 27,875 Digital Nomad Visas, including dependents. Of these, 14,255 were principal applicants and 13,620 were accompanying family members, representing nearly a threefold increase compared to the previous year.
Approximately 60 % of Digital Nomad Visa holders originate from non-EU European countries, with notable representation from the Americas and other regions. The visa aligns with Spain’s broader economic objectives of attracting mobile, skilled professionals and stimulating local economies through remote-work communities. It has also positioned Spain among the leading global destinations for digital nomads in international rankings.
Comparative Summary of Visa Routes
| Visa Category | Work Allowed in Spain | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Qualified Professional Visa | Yes | Specialized professionals with job offers |
| Work Visa | Yes | Sponsored employees across many sectors |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | No | Financially independent residents and families |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Yes (remote only) | Remote workers and international freelancers |
Each visa category serves distinct profiles and purposes. The Highly Qualified and Work Visas link residence to active employment. The Non-Lucrative Visa supports financially independent individuals. The Digital Nomad Visa reflects contemporary work patterns and Spain’s embrace of remote professionals.
Spain offers a diverse and structured residency framework for global citizens seeking relocation for employment, lifestyle, entrepreneurship, or long-term planning. Following the discontinuation of the Golden Visa, demand for alternative immigration pathways has increased. A clear understanding of each visa’s requirements, limitations, and long-term prospects remains essential for a successful transition to Spanish residency.
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Bayat Group provides end-to-end support, from eligibility assessment and application preparation to document legalization and post-approval compliance. With insights into global residency and citizenship-by-investment programs and broader immigration pathways, Bayat Group assists clients in navigating complex cross-border immigration frameworks worldwide.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or immigration advice. Immigration laws, policies, and requirements may change and can vary depending on individual circumstances and jurisdiction. Bayat Group provides advisory and support services related to global immigration, residency, and citizenship programs. Professional legal counsel may be obtained by registering through Bayat Group’s website and entering into a formal engagement with qualified legal professionals. Readers are encouraged to seek independent legal advice before making any immigration or residency decisions.